The race to secure three casino licences in Queensland is heating up with 18 companies vying for a slice.

Registration of interest closes on Friday to build the gaming resorts, two in regional Queensland and the crown jewel Queen's Wharf, a massive Brisbane city revamp which comes with 700 metres of river frontage.

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney says developers will have to pay a $100,000 non-refundable fee in March to secure their place.

Winning bidders will have proposed hotels, restaurants, and conference facilities that can host major events.

"We are looking for fair dinkum developers who can deliver real projects, with real investors, in real time frames with real benefits for the people of Queensland," he said.

"Clearly, there are many parties who share the Newman government's confidence and vision of these key projects to revive the tourism and construction sector of our economy."